Reawakening the City’s Black History: A Downtown Fredericton Walking Tour

Fredericton’s rich, diverse history predates its official incorporation in 1848. The city is known for its Historic Garrison District, collection of artists’ studios, and two universities – but there’s more to this cultural hub than meets the eye.

I’m Jennifer, a sixth-generation descendant of early Black New Brunswickers, and on this semi-circular walking tour, I’ll share the often-forgotten stories about the city’s Black community.

The tour starts in front of the Fredericton Region Museum and finishes next to the Fredericton City Hall. Along the way, I’ll show you a side of downtown that few visitors see.

As you make your way from Queen Street to Charlotte Street and back, I’ll point out some of the landmarks that served as a backdrop for the Black community’s stories, including the Fredericton Playhouse, and St Anne’s Anglican Chapel of Ease. You’ll journey through time while I reveal the downtown core’s hidden histories, spanning from the 1800s to the 1980s.

Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to:

• Explore the Old Burial Grounds, where members of the Black community are buried
• Visit the O’Dell House, once the home of prominent Loyalist Jonathan O’Dell, and discover his connection to the city’s enslaved people
• Discover how the Crowne Plaza, formerly The Lord Beaverbrook Hotel, played a transformative role in Fredericton’s Black community
• Learn about the O’Ree House, the home purchased by Willie O’Ree, the first Black player in the NHL (National Hockey League)
• Admire the buildings on the Edgecomb Block of York St. and discover the thriving Black-owned businesses that once flourished there
• Hear about New Brunswick’s first Black city councillor, who served on Fredericton City Council
• Find out about Canada Post’s first female employee, Mrs June Carty, and the challenges she faced
• See the Fredericton Convention Centre, once the Queen Hotel where the Saint John Brass Band played their last performance in Fredericton
• Take in the Lunar Rogue Pub, named after Henry Moon who managed multiple prison escapes

Join me as we explore the streets of downtown Fredericton, delving into the stories that have shaped my community.